An organisation that represents the static caravan owners at Southwold Caravan Park has expressed concerns over redevelopment plans.

It comes as a blueprint was unveiled this week that could see a harbour and static caravan site in the town upgraded and revitalised over the next 10 years.

With people being urged to have their say on proposals to help shape the future of Southwold harbour and the Ferry Road caravan site, one of the main stakeholders in the site said they had been given "little or no detail" on what the plans are.

Lowestoft Journal: East Suffolk Council is seeking views about the future of Southwold Harbour and plans to revitalise the Southwold Static Caravan Site. Picture: East Suffolk CouncilEast Suffolk Council is seeking views about the future of Southwold Harbour and plans to revitalise the Southwold Static Caravan Site. Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

The Southwold Caravan Owners Association (SCOA) said the consultation entails an extensive redevelopment of Southwold Harbour and the caravan site which "threatens to change the entire character" of the seaside town.

Lowestoft Journal: East Suffolk Council is seeking views about the future of Southwold Harbour and plans to revitalise the Southwold Static Caravan Site. Picture: East Suffolk CouncilEast Suffolk Council is seeking views about the future of Southwold Harbour and plans to revitalise the Southwold Static Caravan Site. Picture: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

A SCOA spokesman said that "other than four broad-brush options" they had no detail on what the proposals are.

The spokesman said: "Yet caravan owners are being asked to select a preferred option, none of which reflect the many discussions SCOA has had with East Suffolk Council over the years."

The group said the proposed plans put forward by the council "will turn the caravan site into a commercial development which will not reflect the uniqueness of the harbour or Southwold."

They added it "will drive long term loyal caravan owners away, many of who have been part of the Southwold caravan community generation after generation."

The spokesman added: "The premise on which the future plans are based is borne out by the lack of investment by East Suffolk Council and its predecessor Waveney District Council over the last 50 years.

"Since its inception, the caravan site has generated a significant income which was not invested back into the harbour and caravan site as it should have been."

'No decisions have been made'

However, East Suffolk Council said the consultation - which continues until May 15 - "will provide the basis for more detailed discussions going forward." 

A council spokesman said: "Our priority is to deliver a programme of revitalisation which benefits all parties and enhances the character and sustainability of Southwold.

"This means balancing economic viability and environmental sustainability with the social fabric of the town.

"However, no decisions have been made, and the broad proposals we are presenting will then be reviewed based on the feedback we receive."

This includes a series of events in Southwold "providing opportunities to ask questions, express concerns and propose alternatives."

The council spokesman added: "We are dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and invite SCOA, and all stakeholders, to engage constructively in the consultation process."

Caravan owners can attend a drop-in event at Southwold Sailing Club at 1.30pm on April 26 with drop-in sessions for all at Southwold Sailing Club on April 30 and Southwold Town Hall on May 14.

People can have their say with the consultation online.

Printed consultation documents are also available at Southwold Town Hall, Southwold Caravan and Campsite, The Harbour Master's Office and the Post Office.